p r i d e . i s . t h e . d e v i l
J. Cole Lyrics

Pride is the Devil
The sense of self-importance and arrogance can be negative and damaging to one's well-being.

Think it got a hold on me
The negative impact of pride is powerful and difficult to break away from.

It left so many R.I.P.
The negative impact of pride can lead to destructive and deadly outcomes.

Terrified, paranoid, I'll put you over everything to fill the void
Trembling with fear and anxiety, I prioritize you over everything in my life to fill my emptiness.

And when you're gone, will I have anything or will I be destroyed? Uh
When you leave, will there be anything left for me, or will I be left with nothing and shattered?

Bright lights pass me in the city, it's emergency
The fast-paced city life is hectic and demanding, with high stakes and little room for error.

I'm thankful 'cause I made it past my thirties, no one murdered me
I express gratitude for surviving my tumultuous and dangerous life, as not everyone is so lucky.

Still remember vividly the nigga that pulled a gun on me
I have clear and powerful memories of the person who once threatened me with a weapon.

I'm petrified, but moving like I got no sense of urgency
I am paralyzed with fear, yet it seems as though I am incapable of moving quickly or with purpose.

Pride make a nigga act way harder than he really be
The arrogance of pride can cause individuals to behave in ways that they are not truly capable of.

Pride hide the shame when city cut off all utilities
The sense of pride can prevent one from seeking help or admitting vulnerability, even when faced with dire circumstances like a loss of basic resources.

Pride hide the pain of growing up inhaling poverty
Pride can mask the deep and pervasive pain of growing up in extreme poverty, leaving one feeling isolated and ashamed.

Pride make a nigga feel a way that you unfollowed me
The arrogance of pride can cause one to become overly fixated on the opinions of others, particularly when it comes to social media.

Make a nigga flash a thousand like he hit the lottery
Pride can lead to reckless spending and flaunting one's wealth, even when it is not necessarily beneficial to one's well-being.

Make a baby mama make shit harder than it gotta be
The arrogance of pride can lead to unnecessary conflict and strife with a child's mother, even when it is not in the best interest of the child or family.

Make you have to take the bitch to court to see your prodigy
The arrogance of pride can lead to unnecessary legal battles and disputes, particularly over issues related to child custody.

Make you have to use your last resort and pull a robbery
The arrogance of pride can lead to desperate and harmful actions, such as resorting to robbery, theft, or other forms of criminal behavior.

Pride be the reason for the family dichotomy
The sense of pride can lead to internal conflict and division within a family, ultimately leading to estrangement and a sense of loss.

Got uncles and some aunties that's too proud to give apologies
The arrogant sense of pride can prevent family members from apologizing, even when they are wrong or have caused harm.

Slowly realizing what the root of all my problems be
I am beginning to understand that the root of many of my problems is my own sense of pride and arrogance.

It got me feeling different when somebody say they proud of me
The sense of pride can lead to a skewed sense of validation and self-worth, so much so that even a simple compliment can cause a significant emotional shift.

Too much money to count, what's the amount?
I have so much wealth that it is difficult to keep track, and the actual amount seems almost irrelevant.

Check never bounce
My financial success is so great that my checks never bounce or fail to clear.

I gotta pay a nigga to add it up
I have to hire someone to manage and tally up my immense financial resources.

Then pay somebody to make sure whatever amount he say he can back it up
I also have to hire someone to verify the financial figures and make sure they are accurate.

Got racks on racks, I'm rackin' up, stackin' up
I have amassed huge amounts of wealth and continue to accumulate more at a rapid pace.

You're reachin', I'm actin' up
Others are trying to keep up with my success, but I continue to push ahead and act out in extravagant ways.

Break it down, weigh it up, now bag it up
I have become so successful that I am able to take illegal or illicit activities and turn them into profitable ventures.

Making five a month, that's regular
I have become so wealthy that earning five figures a month has become commonplace and routine.

Nigga playing with us, that's a negative
Those who try to cross or oppose me should expect a negative response or outcome.

Go back to start, that's never
I have become so successful that there is no possibility of going back to where I started or reversing course.

I'm a boss, my closet leather
I am a powerful and successful business leader, as evidenced by the luxurious and expensive items in my wardrobe.

Ain't no off-days on my schedule
I am so focused on my work and success that I have no time for rest or relaxation.

Long as I live, we live forever
My success and wealth will continue to provide benefits for myself and my loved ones for generations to come.

Told my twin this shit get better
I have shared my success and hope for the future with a close family member or friend.

These niggas done slipped, let me ahead 'em
Others have tried to compete with me, but have ultimately fallen behind and allowed me to take the lead.

Got my feet up, I paid silly bands to have sex on the jet
I am so wealthy that I can afford to indulge in extravagant and unnecessary luxuries, such as paying for illicit acts on a private jet.

I don't need 'em, that shit in the past, I'm feelin' like what's next
I am so successful and focused on the future that the extravagant luxuries of my past seem almost irrelevant and unnecessary.

Got my speed up, foot all on the gas, this not a C8 'Vette
I am so driven and motivated that I am moving at high speed and pushing myself to the limit, even driving a high-performance sports car.

I can beat 'em, I believe in me, just tell me what's the bet
I am so confident in my abilities and success that I am willing to bet on them, even against the odds.

All my pride gone, had to lose it all then I got rich
I had to let go of my arrogance and sense of self-importance in order to become successful and wealthy.

I own five homes, glad some of this shit starting to make sense
My success and wealth have allowed me to purchase and own multiple homes, and it is finally starting to feel justified and sensible to me.

I'm staying hella focused and I can't forget the bigger picture
I am maintaining my intense focus and drive, and am acutely aware of the larger goals and aspirations that I am striving for.

I can't even hold you, I didn't have shit, I won't forget it
I am grateful for my success and wealth, and will never forget the struggles and hardships that I faced along the way.

Come to me with everything, it's starting to get annoying
Others are becoming increasingly dependent or needy towards me, and it is starting to become a burden or annoyance.

I'm addicted to promethazine, it's crazy, yeah, I know it
I have developed a dangerous addiction to promethazine, and am aware of the foolishness and danger of my actions.

All this money coming in, it drive me crazy not to show it
The influx of wealth and success is difficult to keep hidden or contained, and can drive me to flashy and attention-seeking behavior.

I'll be crazy if I blow it
It would be foolish and insane for me to waste or lose my hard-earned success and wealth.